Britain’s Chief Rabbi has warned that a “sustained campaign of violence and intimidation” against the UK Jewish community is gaining momentum following a series of arson-related incidents targeting Jewish sites in London.
Counter-terrorism police are leading an investigation into the latest attack, which took place shortly after midnight at Kenton United Synagogue in the Harrow area. Although the fire caused no significant structural damage, it marked the third attempted attack on Jewish sites in London in less than a week.
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis described the incidents as “cowardly attacks” and expressed alarm over the growing threat. Writing on X, he said: “A sustained campaign of violence and intimidation against the Jewish community of the UK is gathering momentum. Thank God, no lives have been lost, but we cannot, and must not, wait for that to change before we understand just how dangerous this moment is for all of our society.”
Police said officers on a routine deterrence patrol discovered damage to a window at the Kenton synagogue and found evidence that an accelerant had been thrown inside the building.
In a separate incident on Friday night, an attempted arson attack targeted a business linked to the Jewish community. Earlier in the week, two suspects were arrested in connection with another attempted synagogue arson in the capital.
Authorities have also increased security around Jewish sites across London, deploying armed units and counter-terrorism resources.
Last month, several ambulances belonging to the Jewish volunteer emergency service Hatzola were set on fire near a synagogue in Golders Green, further heightening community concerns.
Police also cordoned off an area near the Israeli Embassy in London after an online report claimed it had been targeted with drones carrying “dangerous substances.” However, officers later confirmed that no hazardous materials were found.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attacks, calling them “abhorrent” and warning that antisemitic violence would not be tolerated. “Attacks on our Jewish community are attacks on Britain,” he said on X.
Counter-terrorism detectives are also examining claims made online by a pro-Iranian group, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiyya, which has allegedly taken responsibility for several recent incidents and released a video purportedly linked to the Kenton attack. The group has also claimed involvement in similar attacks on Jewish, Israeli, and US-linked targets across Europe.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams said police understand the “concern among local people” and are working closely with counter-terrorism units due to the similarities between the incidents and online claims of responsibility.